Nehemiah – Week 3

It’s funny how much we rely on a good internet connection these days here at the church.  From Sunday mornings to midweek teaching and connections, it’s become more important  than ever. Unfortunately, our internet service is still not 100% since the windstorm last  Wednesday, and so uploading a video devotional isn’t possible this week. And so, this week’s Nehemiah study comes in the form of a blog post!

Last week, we saw Nehemiah arrive in Jerusalem and take stock of his situation. Nehemiah  had been told that the walls of the city were in shambles, and a late night tour done by  Nehemiah and a few others confirmed this. Following this, Nehemiah called the people  together and laid out his plan. The Lord had laid the task of rebuilding the walls on his heart, and Artexerxes had given him leave of his duties as cupbearer for a time and the supplies he  needed to complete his task. Now he just needed the help, and for that he turned to the  people of Jerusalem themselves.

A quick scan through Nehemiah 3:1-32 shows a team well motivated to rebuild their city who  have bought into Nehemiah’s plan wholeheartedly. The list includes priests (Neh. 3:1-2),  tradesmen (Neh. 3:8, 32), parents with their sons and daughters (Neh. 3:12), rulers of  surrounding towns (Neh 3:14,15), and servants (Neh 3. 26). Everyone pitched in – aside from  the nobles from Tekoa who refused to get involved (Neh. 3:5) – understanding the value in the  wall for protection as well a symbol of the strength of God. This massive effort meant that  things would happen quickly – as we will see in coming chapters.

I love this chapter of Nehemiah and we shouldn’t rush past it, even though it is full of hard to read names and locations we may not be familiar with. 

I said early in this study that Nehemiah is a book that outlines leadership, but the focus in this chapter is on the followers –the common people and priests and rulers and country people and city folk who came together, worked hard side by side each other, and faithfully did what God was calling them to do in rebuilding Jerusalem’s wall. Nehemiah’s task required the whole community to pitch in with their skills and gifts and willingness to work if the job was to be completed. 

When you read this story – does it seem like an act of worship to you? This is something that has stood out to me from this chapter – this picture of many people, with different skills and talents, coming together to be obedient to God which in the case meant building a wall, is actually a picture of worship and a fantastic challenge to us in the church today.  

For the church to function and grow and for God’s work to advance in this world, He has gifted His people with the expectation that they will use those gifts for His honour and glory, so that the Gospel will continue to go out.  

Romans 12:3-8 is a passage that shows us a few ways we can be gifted. It’s not a complete list, but there is some good variety there. God equips some people to teach, others to give, some to encourage and others to show mercy. Romans 12 also gives some tips on how we  should use those gifts – those gifted to teach should teach, those gifted to give should do so with generosity, those gifted to serve should serve, those called to lead should do so diligently, and the list goes on. As we all use the gifts God has given us and work together, the family of God functions as it’s been designed to function. 

Nehemiah 3 stands as an example of people who all pitched in as they were able and obeyed God, and in doing so they worshipped God and brought glory to Him. This is a great illustration for God’s people working together for a common goal, and it’s one we can praise God for, and also seek to follow in our own lives.  

As you read through Nehemiah 3, think about how God has gifted you (He has!). Take some time to praise Him for this grace shown to you and then ask Him to show you how to best use these gifts for His glory and for the good of those around you.  

Thanks for reading, have a great week! 

Pastor Tim